Famous for O. Winston Link's photographs and the amazing and beautiful recording of a train stopping here on Christmas Eve of 1957, the station has survived, and is due to reopen following a long and somewhat controversial restoration.

Famous for O. Winston Link's photographs and the amazing and beautiful recording of a train stopping here on Christmas Eve of 1957, the station has survived, and is due to reopen following a long and somewhat controversial restoration.

I've been watching the restoration of this depot for the last few years, but wasn't aware of any controversy. What is this about?

J3a-614

Post subject: Re: Rural Retreat, Virginia

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 3:54 pm

Joined: Fri Mar 05, 2010 3:41 amPosts: 3340Location: Inwood, W.Va.

Not so much controversy, may have used an incorrect term. . .more like the difficulty, particularly in raising money.

Some people of course wondered if the effort was worthwhile.

Oh well, what else is new in this field?

Steve Freer

Post subject: Re: Rural Retreat, Virginia

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 5:22 pm

Joined: Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:24 pmPosts: 350

In my opinion, most of the "drama" was before the restoration began. Once the preservation in place "movement" started, it soldiered on methodically. The location somewhat lives up to its name being in a small town away from a large metropolis (besides the rolling traffic on nearby I-81.) I think they have done a fine job of returning the building to its former splendor, and inviting the local community to "rally around" by using it for weekly gatherings such as farmers' markets, etc. I speak informally as a small donor to the project. And as a happy observer, I watched it go by the coach windows as several steam trains passed only a few years ago(!)

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